Fever, vomiting and not feeling like eating can all increase the risk of dehydration in children. The practical approach is little and often: small sips of water, milk, or an oral rehydration solution every few minutes is usually better tolerated than a big glass at once. Breastfed and bottle-fed babies should continue their usual feeds, offered more frequently.
Signs that hydration is adequate include regular wet nappies or trips to the toilet, moist lips, and tears when crying. Warning signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, no urine for many hours, sunken eyes, a sunken soft spot in babies, drowsiness, and cold hands and feet.
If your child cannot keep fluids down, is repeatedly vomiting, or shows signs of dehydration, contact a doctor or pharmacist promptly. Oral rehydration solutions are designed for this situation; sugary fizzy drinks and fruit juices are not ideal and can sometimes make diarrhoea worse.